By Bill Tilney
Many people have a sense of doom and gloom about our country and the world. The question is, are their fears based on reality, or false evidence from twisted information? In other words, is their source of information from the world’s point of view or from the Word of God.

Christians living in this world must keep their focus on the Kingdom of Heaven. That was the central theme of Jesus’ teaching during His life on earth, to prepare believers to live in this world. He knew what we would face. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NKJ).

So, what is the key for Christians today to manage their lives in this world? “Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the Lord is His treasure” (Is. 33:6).

When was the last time you asked for wisdom?  Solomon is said to be the wisest man who ever lived. Soon after he became King, God asked Solomon what he would like from Him. Rather than asking for riches and other worldly things, Solomon asked for a wise heart to be able to better lead his people. This pleased God, and He granted Solomon’s request. Solomon understood that divine wisdom is attached to divine purpose. He also knew that all blessings were attached to divine wisdom. God’s response shows us that Solomon was qualified to manage the blessings of God.

Solomon did not ask for general wisdom; he asked for wisdom to rule. You and I also need wisdom to rule and direct our lives and resources according to our divine purpose in God. The more we seek God for wisdom, the more He will give it to us along with other blessings. God’s blessings can include material wealth, but true riches that will attract others to seek the Kingdom of God are much greater.

Tragically, Solomon’s success in building the house of the Lord was followed by failure to steward the one thing that mattered most—his relationship with God. God’s priority is not that we accomplish certain tasks, but that we walk before Him. What we do matters only if we are doing it with Him. When Solomon began to abandon his relationship with God for other intimacies and partnerships, he began a downhill slide. He had cut himself off from the Source of wisdom.

Reading the book of Proverbs, which was written by Solomon, shows that he knew wisdom was the principle thing. He always personified wisdom in his writing, and in this we recognize that person as the Holy Spirit. Solomon knew the source of his blessings and the secret of his success.

When conditions are perfect, beautiful and filled with the goodness of God, why do men make choices that cut them off from His blessings? In Solomon’s life, pleasing his wives and other people turned his heart. Solomon was wise enough to recognize that his relationships with his many wives eventually encroached on his loyalty to God. He wrote, “The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted” (Proverbs 29:25).

Solomon’s testimony is a clear warning to us that we must seek first the kingdom of God, after which all things will be added to us (Matt. 6:33). As we rule our lives and seek to build His kingdom we must ask for wisdom and seek His guidance in every situation in our lives—family, church, relationships and finances. Though the wisest man on earth, Solomon had both success and failure as a king. History shows that a society rises or falls according to the choices of those in authority. In his success, Solomon led Israel into a golden age; in his failure, he led them into a decline from which they never recovered.

The fate of our nation is in the hands of men and women of God who are willing to pray and seek His face and make His agenda their own in everything they do. America is a great nation. Let’s keep it that way. Don’t believe the lies of the enemy, the false evidence. Seek God for wisdom, study His Word and make wise decisions. Jesus’ twelve disciples were described as having turned the world upside down! It’s been said it only takes one with God to be a majority, but really God is more than a majority all by Himself. He gives us the privilege of coming along with Him to watch Him work. Tap into that work through seeking His wisdom daily.

Bill Tilney and his wife, Joyce teach Kingdom Living Seminars to help people  understand and learn ‘how to live in this world as a Child of  God’. His book, Fuel for the Fire, Man’s Insecurities are the Devil’s Security, is available at: www.thevoiceofgraceandtruth.com